6 stunning venues that have hosted UEFA Champions League finals

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Nothing can beat the excitement of watching a football match at the stadium. The fervor, the drama, the passion, the camaraderie, the noise! Watching the action unfold in front of you is an unforgettable experience. All this and more is expected at the UEFA Champions League final. It will be held at the magnificent NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev on May 26, 2018. Here are six other majestic footballing arenas that have hosted the finals of Europe’s premier club football tournament.

1. Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, UK (2017)
The Millennium Stadium or Principality Stadium is the national stadium of Wales. It is also the UK’s third largest stadium. The 74,500 capacity stadium was built to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Over 65,000 football fans watched the 2017 final played between Real Madridand Juventus. Cristiano Ronaldo stamped his authority all over the game. He scored twice and helped the Spanish giants crush the Italian club 4-1.

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2. San Siro, Milan, Italy (2016)
Stadia San Sirois named after a saint from a church nearby. Milan’s ‘Temple of football’was built in 1926to hold 35,000 spectators. Today, it boasts of over 85,000 seats after upgrades during the 1990 FIFA World Cup. It’s also home to Italian football’s biggest teams and bitter rivals: AC Milan and FC Internazionale aka Inter Milan. The 2016 finals saw a tussle between Spanish teams Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.

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3. Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany (2015)
The Olympiastadion served as the focal point for the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.The stadium was renovated in the 1970s for the 1974 World Cup.The stadium has a seating capacity of over 74,000. It is home to the Hertha BSC football club. Over 70,000 fans crammed into the stadium to watch the 2015 final between Barcelona and Juventus. Barcelona dominated the game and defeated the Italian club 3-1.

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4. Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal (2014)
Estádio da Luz hosted the Euro 2004 final between Greece and Portugal. The stadium was officially named Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica. It has a seating capacity of over 64,000. It also hosted the 2014 final between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid scored three goals in extra time and won the game 4-1.

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5. Wembley Stadium, London, UK (2013)
The Wembley stadium has stood in the same place since 1923.The stadium is the second largest in Europe. It is as famous for its concerts as it is for its football legacy. Brazilian footballer Pelé once called it the cathedral of football.The stadium is the preferred choice for all of England’s home games. Over 86,000 fans watched the 2013 final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. The title was lifted by Bayern Munich who won the game 2-1.

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6. Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany (2012)
FC Bayern München or Bayern Munich calls the Allianz Arena its home.The stadium is equipped to accommodate 75,000 spectators. A venue for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, it hosted the semi-final between France and Portugal. The 2012 Champions League final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich was held here. Chelsea won the title in an intense penalty shootout. The stadium will see more action in a few years: it is one of the venues of the Euro 2020 tournament.